The Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia announced that its first edition, which was scheduled to take place on March 12 was postponed, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A statement from the festival’s organizers read: “Following the precautionary measures taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with our primary consideration being the safety and wellbeing of our guests, staff, and audiences, the Red Sea International Festival is postponing its inaugural edition.”

They added, “The spread of coronavirus is a battle we all must face around the globe, and it’s with no hesitation that we are respecting the measures needed to meet the current health emergency.”

The organizers continued saying, “We know how everyone is waiting for the festival inaugural edition, and we extend our deep thanks and gratitude for your support. We assure you that the festival will take place at a later date, as we remain committed to all filmmakers, producers, partners, and audiences.”

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They ended the statement saying that “We will do our best to keep you updated. We hope you remain in good health.”

تأجيل المهرجان pic.twitter.com/XkGRaFSl9s

— RedSeaFilm (@RedSeaFilm) March 3, 2020

Fares Quds, director of “Shams Al-Maaref”, the opening movie announces the postponement on his own way

حرصاً على سلامة الجميع، تأجيل مهرجان البحر الأحمر السينمائي بسبب إنتشار فيروس كورونا، وتتأجل معه إشراقة #شمس_المعارف pic.twitter.com/dQrkhktssW

— فارس قُدُس (@FarisGodus) March 4, 2020

Other events in Riyadh and Jeddah like Samarat Al Thamamh and JITX will be postponed as well

pic.twitter.com/Cmca5cTGaz

— فيرجن ميجاستور السعودية (@VirginMegaKSA) March 3, 2020